Expect delays: Wires Down Over Massachusetts Ave.

UPDATE (6:17 p.m.): The incident was cleared just before 6 p.m., John Lisle from District DOT said. A city sign was apparently clipped by a truck, he said, and that caused it and some live electrical wires to dangle over the entrance to the tunnel. Crews turned off the power and stabilized the sign, he said.

UPDATE (6:11 p.m.): The wire that is causing the delays on Massachusetts Ave. is not Pepco wire, according to Pepco spokesman Bob Haniey. He says it was a wire to a D.C. government sign, managed by a contractor. The problem is being handled by their electrical engineers.

ORIGINAL (5:43 p.m.) Drivers should avoid driving eastbound through Thomas Circle during this rush hour, as crews seek to repair down electrical wires that are blocking the entrance to the tunnel under the circle. D.C. police units are forcing eastbound traffic to detour around the circle, and then bringing cars back to Massachusetts Ave.

John Lisle, spokesman for D.C.'s Department of Transportation, said he does not know how long it will take to clear the lines and that crews are just now arriving at the scene. He said the wires are "hanging down from above the tunnel."